The leading aspirant for the House of Representatives ticket in Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in Ibadan, Oyo State under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Abiodun Raufu has congratulated Oba (Dr.) Lekan Balogun on his ascension to the historical stool as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
While praying for peace and development in Ibadanland during the reign of the new Olubadan, Dr. Raufu also commended the governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde for ensuring a seamless and quick installation of the new Olubadan.
“I am gladdened by the fact that Ibadan is known for the uniqueness of its monarchical hierarchy and succession plan which leaves no doubt on who is next in the line of succession at all times and ensures that kingship crisis and the attendant violence that is rampant in other cities and towns is alien to Ibadanland,” Dr. Raufu stated.
According to Dr. Raufu, who is an Assistant Professor at Southern University and A&M College in the United States of America, the new Olubadan’s academic pedigree, experience, extensive connections and exposure will make him an outstanding monarch whose tenure will be etched into the annals of Ibadan folklores.
“I have known the new Olubadan since my years as the Editor of Nigerian Tribune and I have always admired him for his intellectual capacity and love of Ibadanland,” Dr. Raufu said.
“I remember vividly how he welcomed me warmly to his residence at Alarere area of Ibadan when I visited him last June to inform him of my ambition to become the House of Representatives member representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in 2023. I was also a guest at the Egungun festival which took place in his ancestral compound at Alli-Iwo, Ibadan. He prayed for me and said he was happy that experienced and well-educated technocrats like me are increasingly showing interest in contesting for political offices rather than leaving the political space for political jobbers and people whose source of livelihood is shady and shrouded in secrecy.”
Dr. Raufu, a former Editor of the Nigerian Tribune and ex-Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of National Mirror Newspapers, advised Ibadan indigenes to cooperate with the new monarch and the administration of Governor Makinde in taking Ibadan and Oyo State in general to greater heights.
Packaged by Alice Egbedele
